Q&A: Markus Palttala, Marc VDS Ford GT No.41 - News from FIA GT1 World Championship - Official Site

18/07/2010

Q&A: Markus Palttala, Marc VDS Ford GT No.41

Finnish driver Markus Palttala is new to the Marc VDS team this season. He brings a wealth of GT racing experience to the Belgian outfit.

He shares his thoughts with GT1World.com on the 2010 season and his liking for Spa, the scene of the fifth round of the FIA GT1 World Championship on 29-31 July.

Q: What attracted you to new FIA GT1 World Championship?

A: I’ve been racing GT cars since 2000 and ever since I heard about the possible world title a few years ago, it was always my target to be part of it when it happens. In my opinion sports car racing definitely deserves its own World Championship and now that it’s there, I’m glad to be involved.

Q: How do you feel about competing in sprint races compared to long-distance races? 

A: To be honest, I like the longer races a lot, especially 24-hour races, but also everything from 2 to 6 hours. However, one-hour sprints are sure to provide great action and will be easier for the spectators to follow and TV channels to broadcast, so it should be a benefit for all of us. 

Q: What are your objectives for this season?

A: I hope we’ll be in shape to fight for podiums or even wins, but I’m taking it step by step. After all, I’m in a new team, with a new team-mate and a new car, so there’s a lot of work to do. Still, it’s been quite positive so far and I think we have the potential to achieve good results.

An interesting question is the performance difference between “old” and “new” generation cars. The old cars seem to be a bit quicker at the moment and they’ve been developed for years with big budgets, so obviously they have fine-tuned every little detail already. On the other hand, I believe we have more room for improvement during the season and we have great people working on it, so the challenge will be very interesting.

Q: How does a GT1 car compare to anything else you have driven? 

A: I like the GT1 cars a lot. They have decent power, good grip and you need to push hard to be fast. I’ve driven a few other GT1 cars in the past and even though the new generation Ford GT is heavier and has less power and no driver aids, it is a very nice car to drive.

It has a lot of downforce and mechanical grip. Still, the mid-engine Ford GT is much more delicate and challenging to drive than for example a Corvette. I’m now pretty comfortable in there, but I still need to work on my driving style to get everything out of the car.

Q: What circuit are you most looking forward to racing on this season? 

A: All the ones I’ve never been at, which are Yas Marina, Durban and Interlagos and of course Spa, which is close to where I live and also the home race of the team.

Q: Which drivers do you think will challenge you the hardest this season?

A: There are many very good line-ups and lots of great drivers, which is good for the championship and you need to beat them all to be on top.

Q: How do you think you will fare against your team-mates?

A: We have a good line-up in both cars and we’ve all been pretty close to each other in testing. Bas (Leinders) and Renaud (Kuppens) have driven years together and are both very experienced. Maxime (Martin) is the youngster and he’s very quick. I’m the new guy in the Marc VDS Racing Team family and the only non-Belgian driver, but I’ve felt welcome and enjoyed my time with the team. We are all pushing each other hard as we want to beat the other teams.

Q: Outline the key fitness requirements to race a GT1 car in anger.

A: The Ford GT is surprisingly physical to drive, comparing to any other GT car I’ve driven, so overall fitness is important. It also gets pretty hot in the cockpit, which means that the basic endurance condition has to be good. I get neck and shoulder pain as I need to stretch higher to see over the steering wheel.

Q: How do you like to spend time away from work?

A: Travelling, relaxing, sports, reading, music.

Q: Tell us something which people may not know about you?

A: I’m probably the only Finnish driver who has never driven a rally car.

Quick fire questions

Q: Who inspires you?

A: Eddie Vedder and Oskar Slingerland

Q: All-time hero?

A: Ayrton Senna

Q: Favourite city?

A: Barcelona

Q: Dry or wet race?

A: Wet

Q: Favourite food and drink?

A: Pasta or a good steak, milk

Q: First and current road cars?

A: Audi, BMW

Q: If trapped in a lift who would you want it to be with?

A: MacGyver

Q: Most played song on iPod?

A: Pearl Jam

Q: Mobile, Blackberry or iPhone?

A: Mobile, Nokia N97

Q: If not a racing driver what would you be?

A: I guess I’d be involved in some normal business if I didn’t get serious about another sport

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